PU students vote for NOTA

CHANDIGARH: While voters were able to exercise None of the Above (NOTA) option for the first time in the recently-held Lok Sabha polls, many at Panjab University say that given a chance, they too will like to press the NOTA button.
"Panjab University authorities should add the NOTA option. It will be interesting to see how many students do not find any of the candidates worthy of their vote," says Neha Sharma, a student of MCA (I).
"There are many who don't want to vote for any candidate. And at the same time, they do not want their vote to go waste. They will go for NOTA. It is possible that it registers the maximum percentage of voting," says Vineeta Singh, a student of MCA (I).
"Outfits should focus on serving students rather than indulging in violent acts. After seeing so much of violence on the campus ahead of polls, I do not want to participate in the voting exercise. But if we are given the NOTA option, then I will definitely go to vote and make my choice clear," says Sunil Chauhan, a student of UIET (II).
Student leaders, however, are not convinced with the NOTA option.
"Everyone should vote and choose a representative. If a student does not want to vote for any candidate, he will not turn up for voting. And even NOTA will not motivate him to exercise his right," says Yadwinder Dhaliwal, president of Student Organization of India.
"NOTA, if provided, can make a real difference in the voting percentage. Students should have the option so that they can express their views. But it will be great if they turn up in large numbers and cast their vote for candidates," says Harman Virk, president of Gandhi Group Students' Union.
Saying that he was in a meeting, the vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Grover refused to comment.